The classroom experience is only one segment of the available education at Raritan Valley Community College. The student-centered cultural, recreational, educational, experiential, and governmental activities/functions at the College are equally important. By sharing in these activities, students have the opportunity to develop many personal and career skills.

The selection, planning, and administration of events and programs for the students depends on the interest, time, organization, and effort of the student leadership, the Student Life staff and student organization advisors facilitate making the planning and experience of these activities into a practical learning experience. Every student is encouraged to get involved and participate in a variety of activities including Student Government, leadership development seminars, fine arts and entertainment programming and membership in student organizations and clubs. Co-curricular clubs and organizations are a valuable opportunity for RVCC students to develop leadership skills, budgeting, communication, team-building, goal setting, and organizational skills. Student organizations covering a wide spectrum of interests exist to meet the needs of students.

Inactive group profiles appear light grey. If you would like to re-activate a club, please contact the listed advisor to begin. If a student organization is not listed, groups of students interested in forming a student organization should consult with the Student Life Office located on the first floor of the Bateman Center, in Room BC-100 or contact us at studentlife@raritanval.edu or 908-526-1200 x8873.

Student Life Activities & Planning (SLAP) BoardThe mission of the Student Life Activities & Planning (SLAP) Board (previously known as Program Board) at RVCC is to provide diverse, co-curricular, meaningful, educational, social, cultural-based and fun programs and activities that enrich the student experience.

What are our meetings like?The SLAP Board meetings are student-led and focus on planning programs and activities that are educational, social, cultural-based and fun!What do we do? SLAP Board plans the Fall and Spring Picnics, the Halloween Bash, Mental Health Awareness Day, the Martin Luther King Jr. Read-In, Denim Day, and many other annual traditions at RVCC. We help students learn planning by creating community and tradition on campus.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- top

Student Government Association

Student Government AssociationThe Student Government Association (SGA) is the student governing body that represents all RVCC students. As student representative on campus-wide committees, SGA members play an important role in college governance. Student Government represents the students in a number of ways, including the College Forum.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- top

Astronomy Club

Astronomy ClubPromotes an interest in the science and hobby of astronomy by providing a forum for like-minded people to interact and learn from each other and to share their expertise with those who would benefit from it.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- top

Biology/Chemistry Club

Biology/Chemistry ClubThe Biology-Chemistry Club exists to promote awareness and exposure to RVCC students who are interested in chemistry and the biological sciences. The club members will engage in research, seminars, and activities that will allow students to practice and enjoy what they have learned within the classroom setting. It would also foster social interaction between students and faculty members. The club exists primarily to support biology, chemistry and pre-Medical majors, however, all majors are welcome.

What are our meetings like?We have refreshments while we discuss events, projects, and activities that we are involved in. Then, we watch a short film or documentary followed by an experiment.

What do we do?We love discussing current events and conducting cool experiments. We attend seminars and hod weekly meetings. We also get involved in the community by doing community service projects, fundraising, and raising awareness for various public health concerns. In addition, we hold an annual poster session for the science and engineering department in the spring.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- top

Campus Fitness Club

Campus Fitness Club(Currently inactive, but if you are interested contact Student Life) The Campus Fitness Club is a resource to provide a motivational camaraderie in fitness, and an educational resource to promote Nutrition, Health and Wellness to the campus community.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- top

CCEPSA Student Alliance

College Community Empowerment Project - Student Alliance (CCEPSA)(Currently inactive, but if you are interested contact Student Life)The College Community Empowerment Project – Student Alliance (CCEPSA) works in conjunction with the extended CCEP efforts which are underway at Raritan Valley Community College. Membership to CCEPSA requires a commitment toward actively working to end local poverty through the development of individual and community self-sufficiency and sustainability.

Computer Science ClubProviding an opportunity for students interested in computer science, problem solving, and logical thinking to learn and develop their skills in an environment that encourages teamwork and innovation.

What are our meetings like?Meetings are a place to show off your personal CS/programming projects, both theoretical and applied, and discuss current events in the world of computer science and technology. You are encouraged to ask for help when you need it and offer help when asked. Most importantly, meetings are an opportunity to get together with your fellow technophiles and get some experience in team-based projects, a crucial skill in CS and any field.

What do we do?Besides personal and team-based projects, club members are encouraged to attend events such as technology conventions and Hackathons. We also take an active role in our communities by promoting interest in computer science and all STEM fields.

RVCC Dance ClubThe RVCC Dance Club promotes the diversity of dance in all forms; hip hop, contemporary, jazz, ballet world ballroom, and more. The club provides students with a creative outlet in the form of dance to promote school spirit and campus involvement. What are our meetings like?Meetings are time to move. Come ready to dance and play with movement. Bring your friends, make up a dance and show it to others.

What do we do?We meet and learn movement, create movement and perform movement.

Debate ClubThe debate club at RVCC is devoted to helping students improve their public speaking abilities. Also help further organizational and research skills, while giving students a violent free opportunity to discuss topics that, let's say, aren't supposed to be talked about at the dinner table. We give students

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- top

Education Club

Education ClubOur goal as Education Club is to come together to reach out to less fortunate students by raising money and participating in events to help better their education. What are our meetings like?During our meetings we collaborate ideas to plan and carry out a goal and/or plan upcoming events.

What do we do?This year the Education Club is raising money and collecting school supplies to be donated to less fortunate students either in our area or around the world.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- top

Enactus

EnactusA community of student, academic and business leaders committed to using the power of entrepreneurial action to transform lives and shape a better more sustainable world. Enactus explores modern business practices and provides networking opportunities to its members, including a national exposition event.

What are our meetings like?Our meetings involve a number of teams that help to run individual projects. Members work collaboratively to meet objectives, inspire new ideas, and to use their classroom experience in a real world situation.

What do we do?Enactus can be thought of as a unique mix of entrepreneurial practice and philanthropy. The student organization works to ensure sustainable projects in order to better serve people in need locally, state-wide, and even internationally. What can Enactus do for you?Enactus offers an opportunity to apply everything you have learned in the classroom to real projects that deal with real businesses. The experience you will gain, as well as the benefit it will have on your resume makes this student organization a valuable life-long credential.

Engineering Club

Consists of students interested in pursuing engineering and other science-related fields, such as architecture, engineering technology, CAD, physics, computer science, and others.

What are our meetings like?Our meetings are active gatherings of Engineering and Science students who wish to learn more about Engineering and working as a team.

What do we do?The club's activities are varied and include guest lectures, facility tours/trips, construction competitions, and community construction projects. Our current community project is a service learning collaboration with the Ethicon & Bound Brook High School FIRST robotics team.

Film Makers ClubWe are a student based organization that fosters on creativity, originality, and team work through the art of film making. We promote networking with other student based organizations through the creation of video promotional material.

What are our meetings like?During meetings we examine aspects of film, storyboard ideas for short films and develop different events on campus centered around film.

What do we do?We discuss certain films that interest us, develop short films as a team.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- top

Harmonally Balanced

Harmonally Balanced!Our mission with Harmonally Balanced! is to put out and present performance-ready and professional pieces to the campus and the local community. We expect our members to make a substantial commitment to the group in order to assure that we are performance ready at a professional level.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- top

Improv Club

Improv ClubThe Improv Club will bring students together to get to know each other in a fun environment. Improvisation will teach students to listen, be aware of other players, to have clarity in communication and to have confidence to find choices instinctively and spontaneously. It will give students the opportunity to express themselves creatively and train them to live in the moment and to simplyenjoythe moment.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- top

Probability ofGames Club

Probability of Games ClubExplores the complex mathematics of modern games, especially the game of no limits Texas Hold'em. We will go in depth on the factors of the game that goes far beyond the assumed luck of the game, but the skills to win through knowledge and understanding of it. There will be NO MONEY TRADING HANDS within the club. The purpose of the club is purely recreational and educational, with intent for members to grow as learners through something that modern young adults would find interesting.

What are our meetings like?Experiences and/or interested students of statistics related games, mathematics, or business gather to grow in all three of these aspects. There will be two meetings held per month. The first one occurs in lesson format as we go through the complex mathematics and techniques of the game and at the end of the meeting practice it non-competitively to grasp the gist of what we need. The second meting consists of a game day where we integrate hat we learned into a competitive and realistic setting.

What do we do?The club meetings will consist of learning the mathematics that occurs in Texas Hold'em and the application of these ideas and techniques through demonstration and practice. There will also be meetings for only Game Days as much of a player's skill comes from one's own experiences in the game itself. As players, we plan to row not only in terms of the games we play, but in terms of the complex math that we can apply to our everyday life, and the business acuity that we learn through risk-reward analysis and confrontation psychology. Although the Probability of Games Club is primarily a math-oriented club, we will expand in every way that will appeal to us as learners and active decision makers. How can you reach us?President: Tom Wang, tom10205@yahoo.comAdvisor: Andrew Manno, Andrew.Manno@raritanval.edu

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- top

Psychology Club

Psychology ClubA psychology club that promotes the professional development of psychology students through promotion and recognition of excellence in scholarship, leadership, research, and community service.

What are our meetings like?You can expect a relaxed and friendly atmosphere where the meetings will be split up into two categories: Brainstorming and Conversation. We want our meetings to be personal, so expect to be meeting new people and engaging as well. Brainstorming includes planning, throwing ideas at each other, and coming up with new ways that will help us engage in the student body. The conversation aspect will not only be a psychological conversation, but an open conversation for anyone and everyone to talk, vent, and help each other.

What do we do?We will be on campus to explore mental health, and find ways to cope with the everyday struggles college students have. We will offer events that embrace creativity and expression, and learn abut some ways to bring yourself through hard times.

Raritan Valley RadioRaritan Valley Radio promotes and encourages the expression of individuality through a positive media outlet. Students provide talk shows, music, news, sports, and local weather to the community. Students also provide free entertainment services such as hosting and disc jockey services to support RVCC clubs and campus events.

What are our meetings like?We meet in H-116, our meetings are brief and consist of weekly updates and creative ideas that members can embrace for future use. RVR is currently working closely with The Record to help maintain a consistent news outlet for the students, by the students.

What do we do?Members are encouraged to express themselves on every level. We like to see creative show ideas, which share a mix between talk and music. We also DJ/Co-Host most RVCC Campus events; if you have any interest in mixing music or are an MC/DJ we want to hear from you!

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- top

The Record Online

Record OnlineThe Record is Raritan Valley Community College’s independent student-managed newspaper. The Record provides a medium for information on all things related to the college community as well as an outlet for students to practice writing skills. The mission of The Record is to encourage student involvement in campus activities and publicize matters of concern to the college community.

What are our meetings like?We work together to discuss ideas for articles based on matters of concern that the college community should hear. We also use this time to help each other develop articles.

What do we do?We teach students how to gather information for news articles and how to write for a newspaper. We then use these skills to bring news to the college community.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- top

Student Nurses Association

Student Nurses Association (SNA)The Student Nurses Association at Raritan Valley Community College is dedicated to bettering the school, community, and beyond. We run fundraisers, hold health information sessions, and will participate in, or head, any event that betters some aspect of health and well being. For example, we have helped with blood drives, run car washed for charity, and given our time to volunteer at holiday events for children battling cancer. We currently are all Nursing Students, or prospective Nursing Students. However, we welcome anyone, with open arms, who want to join in our mission of help and caring!

What are our meetings like?Our meetings are the first or second Thursday of each month (4:30-5:30) and/or the first or second Monday of each month (11:30-12:30). We discuss the events completed in the past month and the success we had we also discuss and plan out the future month. Each person does their individual part and brings that to each meeting.

Alliance, TheThe Alliance provides all RVCC students with an inclusive, safe and supportive space for social activities, networking, and event planning. The Alliance is committed to encouraging diversity and awareness of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning/queer, intersex, and asexual (LGBTQIA) issues on campus.

What are our meetings like?Our meetings are highly social, and we strive to create a safe space where everyone feels comfortable. You can expect discussion and planning of future events, but also informal socialization and activities.

What do we do?Our mission is to foster an aware and diverse community on RVCC, and our activities on campus are first and formost geared toward advancing this mission. We hope that by having a visible and active presence on campus, we can encourage other to live openly and confidently, no matter who they are.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- top

Black Students Alliance

Black Students Alliance (BSA)An inclusive group for the advancement and empowerment of black students. Our goal is to enhance the black student community at Raritan Valley Community College through education (enrichment), community outreach, and social activities.

What are our meetings like?Our meetings begin with an aspect of black culture, such as a quote, video clip or current issue that addresses the Black experience, therby prompting conversations that can offer a sounding board for students. Our meeting then focuses on planning an event that encompasses one of our three core objectives: education, community outreach, or social activities.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- top

Brothers Helping Brothers

Brothers Helping BrothersThe Brothers Helping Brothers Program works to develop success strategies that support African American and Hispanic males attending RVCC. The goals are to increase minority retention and graduates attending RVCC.

Muslim Students AssociationThe Muslim Student Association is a student organization at RVCC. MSA is a social group for the Muslim and non-Muslim students on campus consisting of students of all origins, nationalities, and cultures; serving the virtue of brotherhood and sisterhood. What are our meetings like?We create an environment such that students can openly discuss their backgrounds, and religions while learning about the other people's cultures as well.

What do we do?We educate others about the true meaning of Islam and its teachings and deter people from associating the word "terrorist" with Muslims.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- top

Orgullo Latino Club

Orgullo Latino/Latin Pride ClubEncourages campus-wide appreciation of Hispanic Americans and their contributions and history. Provides outreach programs to local high school students to seek out post-secondary education.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- top

Sister to Sister Network

Sister to Sister NetworkThe Sister-to-Sister Program is an initiative to offer support to RVCC’s female students from underrepresented groups, particularly African American and Hispanic. Students and female administrators engage in dialogue as a way of beginning conversations about many topics which affect the student’s ability to be successful. Sister-to-Sister links students to experienced women in a “safe space” to talk about life at RVCC, with an emphasis on instruction and course selection.

Alpha Beta Gamma

Alpha Beta GammaAn International Business Honor Society that recognizes and encourages scholarship among business, computer science and communication majors at two-year colleges.

Membership Criteria: Be enrolled in an eligible curriculum leading to a degree; Have completed at least 15 credit hours a 3.0 grade point average (GPA); Have attained a minimum grade point average (GPA of 3.3) in the major course of study.

What are our meetings like?This chapter of Alpha Beta Gamma does not hold meetings, nor does it have any student officers.

What do we do?Our chapter is strictly for recognition of students who have superior performance in an eligible degree program. The chapter does not conduct any activities other than initiation.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- top

Phi Theta Kappa

Phi Theta KappaPhi Theta Kappa is a prestigious international honor society for community college students. Its membership is made up of RVCC students who have completed 12 credits with at least a 3.50 G.P.A., who are interested in community involvement, academic achievement and social activities. “The purpose of Phi Theta Kappa shall be to recognize and encourage scholarship among two-year college students. To achieve this purpose, Phi Theta Kappa shall provide opportunity for the development of leadership and service, for an intellectual climate for exchange of ideas and ideals, for lively fellowship for scholars, and for stimulation of interest in continuing academic excellence.”

Membership Criteria: Have completed 12 credit hours contributing to a degree; Adhere to the moral standards of the society; Maintain a 3.5 GPA; Receive an invitation to membership; Pay a $65 lifetime fee.What are our meetings like?During the meetings we discuss upcoming events, available scholarships, and ways that members can become involved.

What do we do?Every year we complete a college project and an Honors in Action project related to the International Honor Society's study topic. We also co-sponsor a leadership seminar series with the college's Student Government Association.

How do I become a member?1. Early in the semester, the Student Life office generates a list of current RVCC students who meet the criteria for membership. Eligible students have a cumulative GPA of 3.50 or higher and have earned at least 12 credits on the community college level, excluding developmental courses. 2. Email invitations are sent to each eligible student from Phi Theta Kappa International. The email includes an invitation code and URL allowing students to register online. 3. An additional email is sent by a chapter advisor containing instructions related to attending an orientation session and the induction ceremony. 4. Students attend a single orientation session where they learn about the benefits of becoming a member. Several sessions are scheduled over the course of a week. The sessions take place approximately two weeks before the induction ceremony. 5. Interested individuals register online using the key code and URL provided in the email from the International Office and submit their $65 membership fee.6. Students who have joined online are invited to attend the induction ceremony which is typically held in November and April of each academic year. NOTE: Our chapter does not induct new members once the induction ceremony has been held, nor does our chapter induct new members during the summer semester.

Leadership Series: Phi Theta Kappa and Student Government Association work together to provide a series of interactive Leadership Development workshops twice a month. These workshops are open to all students and occur on Wednesdays at noon. Watch the bulletin boards and website for details. Topics include: Effective Communication, teambuilding, Ethical Decision Making, and more!

Psi BetaA psychology honorary that promotes the professional development of psychology students through promotion and recognition of excellence in scholarship, leadership, research, and community service.

Membership Criteria: Taken a Psychology course and receive a "B+" or higher; Completed 12 credit hours; Have a cumulative GPA of 3.25 at the time they apply for membership or be within the top 35% of the College; Have an interest in psychology; Maintain good standing in the community; Pay a $50 lifetime fee.

What are our meetings like?

What do we do?

How do I become a member?1. The college generates a list of students from the previous semester and session (Fall Only) of individuals who meet the criteria for induction.2. Email invitations are sent to each individual regarding their eligibility with the invitation code to register with the National Office.3. Interested individuals register with the National Office and submit their $50 membership fee to the Advisor, Dave Ross.4. Individuals who have registered with the National Office and submitted their fee receive a separate email to RSVP for the induction ceremony if they plan to attend. 5. Members are inducted at a formal ceremony.

Anime Club

Anime ClubOur goal is to provide a friendly environment where our members can just hang out, watch cool shows, play games and chat about all things Anime. We are a welcoming community and walk-ins are both welcome and encouraged.

What are our meetings like?The club meetings are based on a viewing/discussion on different animated series from both the eastern and western parts of the world.

What do we do?We watch different animated series and discuss them, play games, and attend special events related to Anime. Most importantly the club is a fun place for people to hang out and meet new people interested in this topic.

How can you reach us?President: Advisor:

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- top

BACCHUS:A Fresh Reality

BACCHUS: A Fresh RealityFresh Reality is our local chapter of BACCHUS (Boosting Alcohol Consciousness Concerning the Health of University Students). BACCHUS is a non-profit organization whose mission is to actively promote student and young adult-based campus and community-wide leadership on healthy and safe lifestyle decisions concerning alcohol abuse, tobacco use, illegal drug use, unhealthy sexual practices and other high-risk behaviors.

What are our meetings like?BACCHUS usually meets twice a week. During our meetings we plan upcoming events and brainstorm as a group on new, fun ideas to reach the students of RVCC and the local community. We hold very easy going meetings, and we are always excited to see new faces join us!

What do we do?We are known on campus for having Cupcakes and Condoms during College hour about once a month. We give out free cupcakes and condoms to the students. RVCC students and faculty get a kick out of our witty way of promoting safe and healthy behaviors. We also have two documentaries concerning high risk behaviors and personal stories of substance abuse that a few of our members are in; we usually show these films about once or twice a month and afterward we engage students in Alcohol Jeopardy where we give out free pizza and prizes. We also make it a point to do things for mental health and stress, so we do different stress relieving activities during the stressful exam times throughout the semester. BACCHUS also invites motivational speakers to the college to share their inspirational stories with the students and faculties. We enjoy working with other clubs here at RVCC and host fun, sober parties or events here on campus. Most of our members are Certified Peer Educators, meaning that students here at RVCC can come talk to us about questions or concerns they have about personal issues. It is a priority of ours to keep up-to-date on all the resources available for students as well as the main struggles/issues that are prevalent on campus and in the community that need to be addressed. Being that BACCHUS is a national college organization, we attend the BACCHUS National Assembly as well as our BACCHUS Area Conference every year to learn about what other campuses are doing to promote fun, healthy life choices.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- top

cru

cruA caring community of students passionate about connecting people to Jesus Christ

What are our meetings like?Our meetings include community building, sharing, Bible study, speakers, prayer and singing.What do we do?We participate in JCru (New Jersey Cru) and regional meetings, retreats and conferences. Our mission activities include helping other students on campus and participating in outreach such as Urban Impact, NYC Relief Bus, Operation Christmas Child, etc. We also participate in Student Life events on campus and Student Government Association.

Kids Like UsOur mission is to convey ourselves as a group of people looking to make better in some small way, the lives of kids that need a positive impact on their life. With the events that we will participate in, we will raise funds, along with spirits for children in hospitals, after care centers, and children battling illness.

What are our meetings like?We talk about upcoming events and try to generate feedback among the members in a comfortable environment.

What are our meetings like?We are currently planning, renovating, and establishing a space on campus for students to take Yoga classes, have a space for quiet reflection, or be guided in meditation. What do we do?We maintain and regulate the different components of having a Reflection Room on campus.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- top

To Write Love on Her Arms University Chapter at RVCC

To Write Love on Her ArmsTo Write Love on Her Arms is a non-profit movement dedicated to presenting hope and finding help for people struggling with depression, addiction, self-injury, and suicide. TWLOHA exists to encourage, inform, inspire, and also to invest directly into treatment and recovery. College campuses are places of transition, and the difficult realities of transition are not often talked about openly, especially when they are associated with mental health. We believe that by giving these conversation a home on campuses across the county, we will see students choosing to continue living their story and helping those around them do the same.

What are our meetings like?We plan events to spread awareness and hope for suicide prevention, mental health, and addiction. We talk about issues such as self-harm, addiction, depression, anxiety, and suicide, and what we can do overcome these issues. We also discuss the meaning of words like love, joy, happiness, and what we can do to become aware of these positive attributes that exist inside of us. With each conversation comes an activity, game, snack, or some other form of expression.

What do we do?We provide resources for people who need them, from peers in crisis to members with questions. We spread awareness and work to overcome the existing prejudices against people with similar issues. We also host events for people to come together in conversation about mental illness; UChapters is a movement of students committed to changing the statistics and building a community of honesty and hope.